Jarius Wright has looked good but still ranks No. 2 to Marcus Sherels as punt returners for the Minnesota Vikings, special teams coordinator Mike Priefer said at the team's practice Monday, Aug. 27, at Winter Park.

Wright, a rookie out of Arkansas, returned two punts for 29 yards including a 24-yarder late in the fourth quarter that led to Minnesota's only touchdown in its 12-10 home exhibition loss to the San Diego Chargers on Friday.

"He's improved every week, so I'm pleased by that," Priefer said. "I think Marcus is going to be a good punt returner as well, so competition is a great thing in all these spots."

Priefer said the 180-pound Wright went down too easily on his 24-yard return or the play might have resulted in a touchdown because two more players were set up for blocks ahead of him.

"I don't think he ran with enough conviction there," Priefer said. "When he saw it on tape I think he believed what I was telling him. I said, 'You got to run hard.' ... He's not a real big guy, but he's strong enough to break through those arm tackles."

Asked if Wright's play gives the coaching staff enough confidence to use him regularly on punt returns, Priefer said he will defer comment until after the Vikings' final exhibition game on Thursday night, Aug. 30, at Houston.